Throughout these United States, some of the most stunning spots are found in those places where God's creation is paired with the hard work of average Americans to create unbelievable works of beauty. The Skagit River Valley of Washington is a perfect example of just such a place. This river delta just north of Seattle glows with incredible color each spring as if the fields were painted with large boxes of Crayola crayons. Hundreds of acres of daffodils, tulips, and irises draw visitors to the farmlands adjacent to the towns of La Conner and Mount Vernon. Providence decides exactly when the spectacle begins, but this magnificent display of color generally reaches its zenith in April.

To plan a visit and to get updated maps of the locations of the fields as they start to bloom, visit TulipFestival.org. And be sure to visit the centers of the two main tulip growers in the valley: the Roozengaarde Gift Shop of the Washington Bulb Company and Tulip Town of the Skagit Valley Bulb Farm.